Rising Damp

Alan manages to sneak a woman up to his room, hoping for a night of romance in secret. But an unscheduled, irate appearance by her father soon shatters those hopes, ending any chance of a romance and forcing Alan to confront the situation.

Permissive Society is an episode of a television programme, classified simply as an episode within the broader series. It forms part of the show’s overall catalogue and follows the same format as the other instalments, presenting a self‑contained story that fits within the series’ permissive, lightly comic tone. The central action revolves around Alan, who manages to sneak a woman up to his room in secret. His covert manoeuvre is driven by the prospect of a romantic liaison, and the scene is set for a private encounter that he hopes will develop into something more intimate. However, the moment is abruptly shattered when the woman’s father arrives unexpectedly. The father’s sudden, irate appearance catches Alan off guard, and his furious reaction quickly brings the situation to a halt. The father’s anger is evident, and his intrusion leaves no room for the budding romance Alan had imagined. As a result, Alan’s aspirations for a romantic evening are instantly extinguished. The episode closes with his plans in tatters, the father’s unwelcome visit having put an end to any chance of a love affair. The narrative thus pivots on the clash between Alan’s secretive intentions and the harsh reality of an angry parent’s interference.